Seat organizer

ABSTRACT

A vehicle seat organizer comprises a strap adapted to connect to a seat, a cooler/warmer unit attached to the strap, and a storage compartment attached to the strap.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/616,848, filed on Oct. 8, 2004, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to an organizer to be attached to the front and/or back of a vehicle seat, and more specifically, to such an organizer including a cooler/warmer unit.

2. Related Art

Today's active lifestyle often leads to people carrying out tasks simultaneously or in alternative or non-traditional locations. Along these lines, many people eat meals or work in their car rather than at home or in an office. Carrying out tasks in alternative locations requires that people have the necessary resources to be able to carry out the tasks. For example, when working outside the office, people may need a portable computer, wireless internet access, as well as paper, writing implements and other accessories. Similarly, if a person often eats in the car, it may be desirable to have some way to keep the food warm or cold to maintain the food in a palatable condition.

Carrying out many tasks on the run leads to carrying around many associated accessories necessary to engage in the tasks. Carrying around so many accessories can result in a need to organize the accessories so that they are retrievable when needed. Otherwise, time needed for other tasks may be wasted in determining the location of needed accessories or accessories may not be available when needed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to A vehicle seat organizer, comprising: a strap adapted to connect to a seat; a cooler/warmer unit attached to the strap; and a storage compartment attached to the strap.

According to one aspect of the invention, the cooler/warmer unit can be a thermoelectric cooler/warmer.

According to another aspect of the invention, the vehicle seat organizer can include a power inverter for converting a DC power input to an AC power output. An AC power outlet can be associated with the power inverter. Additionally or alternatively, the vehicle seat organizer can include a power cable having a plug adapted to be inserted in a cigarette lighter socket of a vehicle.

According to another aspect of the invention, the vehicle seat organizer can include a power cable to provide power to the cooler/warmer unit. The power cable can include a plug adapted to be inserted in a cigarette lighter socket of a vehicle. Additionally or alternatively, the power cable can include a plug adapted to be inserted in an AC power outlet.

According to another aspect of the invention, the vehicle seat organizer can include a drink holder that is cooled/warmed by the cooler/warmer.

According to another aspect of the invention, the storage compartment comprises at least one of a mesh storage pouch, a file storage compartment, an expandable storage compartment, a cup holder, a can holder, a bottle holder, or a tissue box holder.

Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention relates to a vehicle seat organizer comprising: a base; a cooler/warmer unit attached to the base; a power inverter attached to the base and adapted to convert a DC power input to an AC power output; a storage compartment attached to the base; and a power cable adapted to provide DC power to at least one of the cooler/warmer unit and the power inverter.

Further objectives and advantages, as well as the structure and function of exemplary embodiments will become apparent from a consideration of the description, drawings, and examples.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following, more particular description of an exemplary embodiment of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numbers generally indicate identical, functionally similar, and/or structurally similar elements.

FIG. 1 depicts a first exemplary embodiment of a vehicle seat organizer according to the present invention attached to a vehicle seat;

FIG. 2 depicts the vehicle seat organizer of FIG. 1 when not attached to a vehicle seat;

FIG. 3 depicts a second exemplary embodiment of a vehicle seat organizer according to the present invention with various storage compartments in a closed position;

FIG. 4 depicts the vehicle seat organizer of FIG. 3 with some of the storage compartments in an open position; and

FIG. 5 depicts the vehicle seat organizer of FIGS. 3 and 4 attached to a vehicle seat.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the invention are discussed in detail below. In describing embodiments, specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected. While specific exemplary embodiments are discussed, it should be understood that this is done for illustration purposes only. A person skilled in the relevant art will recognize that other components and configurations can be used without parting from the spirit and scope of the invention.

The present invention relates to a vehicle seat organizer. In the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, the seat organizer 1 can be attached to the front of a vehicle seat. Alternatively, in the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 3-5, the seat organizer 1′ can be attached to the rear of a vehicle seat. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the seat organizer can be used on seats other than vehicle seats, and can be used on surfaces other than seats. Along these lines, the seat organizer can be utilized anywhere that it can be attached and/or secured.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, seat organizer 1 can include a seat-back-engaging portion 50 and a seat-bottom-engaging portion 52. Seat-back-engaging portion 50 and seat-bottom-engaging portion 52 can rest on the portions of a vehicle seat that normally support a passenger's back and legs, respectively. This embodiment of the invention can be used in either a front or back seat of a vehicle.

Referring to FIGS. 3-5, seat organizer 1′ can include just a seat-back-engaging portion 50′. This embodiment of the invention can be attached to either the front or rear facing surfaces of a seat back. This can permit a person in either the front or back seat of a vehicle to make use of the seat organizer 1′.

To help secure the seat organizer to a vehicle seat, it can include one or more securing straps. Typically, the securing straps are adjustable to permit the seat organizer to be secured to a variety of seats or other surfaces or structures. Adjustable straps can also permit the seat organizer to be tightly secured in place. The securing straps can be attached to the seat organizer such that the straps can wrap around a portion of a seat that the organizer is attached to. For example, as shown in the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 1-5, the seat organizer 1, 1′ can include a strap 3, 3′ that is attached to the upper portion of the organizer 1, 1′. The strap can wrap around the headrest posts that support the seat headrest on the seat, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 5. The seat organizer 1, 1′ can additionally or alternatively include one or more straps that engage the seat bottom or seat back.

The seat organizer can also include one or more hooks to further secure it to the seat. For example, referring to FIGS. 3-5, one or more hooks 4 can be provided proximate the lower portion of seat organizer 1′. One or more straps can be secured to the hooks 4. Alternatively or additionally, the hooks 4 can be secured to one or more parts of a seat to which the seat organizer is attached, such as the seatbelt.

Referring to FIGS. 1-5, seat organizer 1, 1′ can include a cooler/warmer 5, 5′ such as a thermoelectric cooler/warmer unit. The cooler/warmer 5, 5′ can be attached to the seat organizer via a base, which may comprise, for example, the seat-back-engaging portion 50, 50′, and/or the seat-bottom-engaging portion 52. Alternatively, the base may comprise a surface of the cooler/warmer 5, 5′ or some other component of the seat organizer 1, 1′.

The cooler/warmer 5, 5′ can be used to keep food, drinks, or other contents cool or warm, as desired. Suitable cooler/warmer units are known in the art and can include an insulated enclosure with a lid 7, 7′ that can be opened and closed. It is possible that the cooler/warmer 5, 5′ can be detachable from the seat organizer 1, 1′ to permit the cooler/warmer 5, 5′ to be separately transported. For example, the cooler/warmer 5, 5′ can be detachable from the base and/or from the strap 3, 3′.

Lid 7, 7′ can include one or more elements to hold items on the cooler/warmer 5, 5′. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, lid 7′ can include one or more depressions 9 that can act as drink holders. The depressions 9 can accommodate the base of a can, cup, or other container. Referring to FIG. 2, the lid 7 can additionally or alternatively include a rim 11 that extends proximate the perimeter of the lid 7. Rim 11 can help hold items set on the lid, such as food, drink, office supplies, paper or other items, from falling off the lid 7. Lid 7, 7′ can also provide a work surface to provide a support for a laptop computer or papers, among other things.

The insulated enclosure for the cooler/warmer 5, 5′ can be any desired shape or size. For example, the insulated enclosure can have an interior volume that can accommodate six typical twelve ounce aluminum beverage cans. The lid 7, 7′ can include a latch or other closure device that secures it in a closed position. The cooler/warmer 5, 5′ can be electrically powered, for example, it can be a thermoelectric cooler/warmer, which is known. In the instance where the cooler/warmer 5, 5′ is electrically powered, it can be connected to a power source with a power connecting cable 13 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. Cable 13 can include a plug adapted to be inserted into a DC power source, such as a vehicle's cigarette lighter socket. Alternatively, cable 13 can include a plug adapted to be inserted into an AC power source, such as a household AC outlet.

The cooler/warmer 5, 5′ can include a control panel 55, 55′ that performs various functions, such as turning the cooler/warmer on or off, or adjusting the temperature of the cooler/warmer. Additionally or alternatively, the seat organizer can include a power inverter, for example, to convert a DC power input from cable 13 into an AC power output supplied via AC receptacle 56, 56′ (shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, respectively). The power inverter can be an integrated unit with the cooler/warmer 5, 5′, or can be a separate unit.

In the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, the bottom surface of the cooler/warmer 5 can rest on the seat bottom cushion. In the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 3-5, the back of the cooler/warmer 5′ can be attached to any part of or form any part of the back portion 50′ of the seat organizer 1′.

Additional storage compartments can be attached to the exterior surfaces of cooler/warmer 5, 5′, or be arranged adjacent thereto. For example, one or more auxiliary storage compartments can be attached to one or more exterior surfaces. These auxiliary storage compartments can be sack-like, for example, like compartments 17, 17′ shown in FIGS. 1-5. The compartments 17, 17′ can, for example, be made of a net or mesh or similar material attached to one or more exterior surfaces of the cooler/warmer 5, 5′ or some other location. Compartments 17, 17′ can also be made of a woven fabric, non-woven fabric, or other material. Alternatively, the auxiliary storage compartments can be of a rigid or substantially rigid construction.

Seat organizer 1, 1′ can also include one or more other types of storage compartments. For example, the seat organizer can include a storage compartment that includes an opening that can permit storage of and access to a container of drink, tissues, lotion, water free soap or other items. For example, the seat organizer 1 of FIGS. 1 and 2 includes a storage compartment 19 for receiving a bottle of lotion 21, a tissue box storage compartment 25, and a miscellaneous storage compartment 32. Storage compartment 19 can include a lid that can be secured in a closed position with one or more closing members, such as lids 29, 30, and 31 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The closing member(s) can include hook-and-loop closure(s), latch(es) or other closure(s).

The lid(s) and/or one or more sides of the compartment 19 can include an opening configured to permit a specific container to be inserted into the storage compartment and/or to provide access to the storage compartment. For example, a bottle or other container can be arranged in the compartment by inserting the bottle through the opening or by opening the lid, inserting the container, and then closing the lid. For example, the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 includes an opening 23 for the bottle of lotion 21. Alternatively, a container, such as a tissue box, can be arranged in the storage compartment in a way that permits access to the container and then the compartment closed. For example, the opening in a tissue box can be arranged in the opening 27 of the storage compartment as is illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. A tissue box can additionally or alternatively be provided in a storage compartment such as the storage compartment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 with a bottle in it. A storage compartment similar to compartment 19 can also be included in an embodiment similar to that shown in FIGS. 3-5.

Compartment 19 can be attached to the cooler/warmer 5 and/or to another storage compartment, in which instance the various components of the seat organizer form its base. Alternatively, the seat organizer can include a separate base that the cooler/warmer and/or one or more other storage compartments are mounted on. The base may comprise the seat-back-engaging portion 50, 50′ (if provided) or the seat-bottom-engaging portion 52 (if provided). The base can be plastic, cardboard, wood, metal, composite and/or other materials. The base can be covered with vinyl, cloth, paper and/or other material. The base, cooler and/or storage compartment(s) can include padding and/or a non-slip surface on any side, particularly on a side facing the vehicle seat. A storage net can be attached to any side of the container receiving storage compartment.

Another type of storage compartment that a seat organizer according to the present invention can include can be similar to the container receiving compartment 19, but without any container receiving opening(s). For example, a closable storage container of this type can include a closing lid that can include a closure to secure it in a closed position. For example, the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 includes storage compartment 32 with lid 31. FIGS. 3-5 illustrate another embodiment of a closable storage compartment 33. This compartment is arranged just below the cooler/warmer 5′ and is formed by a closable side member attached to a backing and a lower portion of the cooler/warmer 5′. The closable side can be attached to the cooler/warmer 5′ or another portion of the organizer with any suitable closing member(s), such as a hook-and-loop closure, latch or other closing member. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 3-5, the storage compartment 33 houses a portion of the mechanism for the cooler/warmer 5′.

Closable storage compartments 32, 33 can include one or more auxiliary compartments attached thereto, for example, the sack-like compartment 35 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The sack-like storage compartments, if provided, can be made of a net or mesh material that is attached to one or more exterior surfaces of the closable storage compartment or other portion of the seat organizer. The auxiliary storage compartments can also be made of a woven fabric, non-woven fabric, or other material.

In addition to closable storage compartments, the seat organizer can include one or more storage compartments without lids. Such open storage compartments can facilitate quick access to items stored in them. For example, paper, writing instruments, mobile phones, personal digital assistants, and maps, among other items, can be stored in open storage compartments for quick and easy access. One or more dividers can divide the interior of any storage compartment of the seat divider. An open storage compartment can also include one or more additional compartments attached to one or more outer surfaces of the compartment. Such additional storage compartments can be sack like and made of mesh or solid material. The exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 includes an open storage compartment 37.

The exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 3-5 also includes an open storage compartment 39, shown in the form of an accordion file having expandable accordion sides 41. Such a storage compartment can have sides made of material such as a woven or non-woven fabric and/or other flexible material. The expanding, accordion sides 41 can also be made of non-flexible material pieces joined together. This can permit the opening of the compartment to be more easily accessed. The open storage compartment shown in FIGS. 3-5 can also be made a closable storage compartment if one or more closing members are included.

The exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 includes another embodiment of an open storage compartment. Open storage compartment 43 can be arranged on the seat-back portion 50 of the seat organizer 1, and can have flexible and/or accordion sides 45 to permit it to expand. Alternatively, the side surfaces 45 can not be expandable or flexible. Such a storage compartment can include internal dividers. The storage compartment can be for storage of papers, magazines or a laptop computer. The open compartment can also include one or more elements operative to maintain the compartment in a non-expanded position. Such elements can include one or more hooks, latches, straps, or other devices.

The exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2 also includes open storage compartment 51. Such an open storage compartment can be attached on any surface of any embodiment. Such an open storage compartment can hold a mobile phone, pens and pencils, or other items.

A seat organizer according to the present invention can also include one or more moveable storage compartments, such as the pivotable storage compartment 47 in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. A moveable storage compartment can provide additional storage space while taking up less mounting/attachment space on the seat organizer. A moveable storage compartment 47 can also act to at least partially conceal another storage compartment, as in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. A moveable storage compartment can be open or closable. The embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 includes an interior compartment closable with a zipper 49. The interior compartment can alternatively include a flap securable with one or more closing elements, such as a latch, hook-and-loop, among others.

As with any of the storage compartments, cooler/warmer 5 and other elements of the seat organizer, the moveable storage compartment 47 can include one or more auxiliary storage compartments attached to one or more exterior surfaces. These auxiliary storage compartments 47 can be sack-like as in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-5, or can be more rigid, along the lines of the other storage compartments in the seat organizer. The sack-like storage compartments can be made of a net or mesh such as those shown in FIGS. 1-5 and can be attached to one or more exterior surfaces of the cooler/warmer, as in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-5. Such additional storage compartments can also be made of a woven fabric, non-woven fabric, or other material.

Any of the storage compartments discussed herein can have sizes and/or shapes other than the sizes and shapes described and shown herein. For example, the storage compartments can be combined into one storage compartment including a single continuous interior and one or two lids.

The embodiments illustrated and discussed in this specification are intended only to teach those skilled in the art the best way known to the inventors to make and use the invention. Nothing in this specification should be considered as limiting the scope of the present invention. All examples presented are representative and non-limiting. The above-described embodiments of the invention can be modified or varied, without departing from the invention, as appreciated by those skilled in the art in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that, within the scope of the claims and their equivalents, the invention can be practiced otherwise than as specifically described. 

1. A vehicle seat organizer, comprising: a strap adapted to connect to a seat; a cooler/warmer unit attached to the strap; and a storage compartment attached to the strap.
 2. The vehicle seat organizer of claim 1, wherein the cooler/warmer unit is a thermoelectric cooler/warmer.
 3. The vehicle seat organizer of claim 1, further comprising a power inverter for converting a DC power input to an AC power output.
 4. The vehicle seat organizer of claim 3, further comprising an AC power outlet associated with the power inverter.
 5. The vehicle seat organizer of claim 4, further comprising a power cable having a plug adapted to be inserted in a cigarette lighter socket of a vehicle.
 6. The vehicle seat organizer of claim 1, further comprising a power cable to provide power to the cooler/warmer unit.
 7. The vehicle seat organizer of claim 6, wherein the power cable includes a plug adapted to be inserted in a cigarette lighter socket of a vehicle.
 8. The vehicle seat organizer of claim 6, wherein the power cable includes a plug adapted to be inserted in an AC power outlet.
 9. The vehicle seat organizer of claim 1, further comprising a drink holder that is cooled/warmed by the cooler/warmer.
 10. The vehicle seat organizer of claim 1, wherein the storage compartment comprises at least one of a mesh storage pouch, a file storage compartment, an expandable storage compartment, a cup holder, a can holder, a bottle holder, or a tissue box holder.
 11. The vehicle seat organizer of claim 1, further comprising a seat-back-engaging portion.
 12. The vehicle seat organizer of claim 1, further comprising a seat-bottom-engaging portion.
 13. The vehicle seat organizer of claim 1, wherein the strap is adapted to connect to a headrest support of the seat.
 14. The vehicle seat organizer of claim 1, wherein the strap is adapted to wrap around a seat back portion of the seat.
 15. A vehicle seat organizer comprising: a base; a cooler/warmer unit attached to the base; a power inverter attached to the base and adapted to convert a DC power input to an AC power output; a storage compartment attached to the base; and a power cable adapted to provide DC power to at least one of the cooler/warmer unit and the power inverter.
 16. The vehicle seat organizer of claim 15, further comprising a strap to secure the base to a seat.
 17. The vehicle seat organizer of claim 15, wherein the power cable includes a plug adapted to be inserted in a cigarette lighter socket of a vehicle.
 18. The vehicle seat organizer of claim 15, further comprising an AC power outlet associated with the power inverter.
 19. The vehicle seat organizer of claim 15, wherein the storage compartment comprises at least one of a mesh storage pouch, a file storage compartment, an expandable storage compartment, a cup holder, a can holder, a bottle holder, or a tissue box holder.
 20. The vehicle seat organizer of claim 15, wherein the base comprises a seat-back-engaging portion.
 21. The vehicle seat organizer of claim 15, wherein the base comprises a seat-bottom-engaging portion.
 22. The vehicle seat of claim 15, wherein the base comprises a portion of the cooler/warmer unit.
 23. The vehicle seat of claim 15, wherein the base comprises a portion of the storage compartment. 